Plant difficulty ratings - how accurate are they

[Faramir]

Back home, I've got some Nomaphila stricta (or whatever it's called nowadays) and some Madagascar lace.

The Nomaphila is almost dead on its roots; the Madagascar lace is going great guns; in fact, the only stem plant that's growing well is Cabomba.

What gives? Nomaphila's meant to be dead easy; Madagascar lace a complete bear!

 

[daveedka]

I may be all wet on this since I'm new to plants, but this is my observation so far:
I've found the difficulty ratings, and even other peoples real world experiences to be somewhat different than what actually happens in my tanks. Most difficulty ratings are based on light and Co2 needs, which to me are two of the easiest things to work with. It embarrases me sometimes to admit which plants I can't grow well. Too many variables from tank to tank and hobbyist to hobbyist. Beyond the need to know lighting requirements of specific plant I don't give the difficulty ratings much attention.
dave

 

[Timmain42]

Too many variables from tank to tank and hobbyist to hobbyist. Beyond the need to know lighting requirements of specific plant I don't give the difficulty ratings much attention.

Dave may be new to plants, but AFAIK, he speaks true. I've had tanks that would grow a type of low-light plant well, but not another, and vice versa on a similar tank. Some plants that should grow under hi-tech conditions didn't do well in one tank, but others did. :shrug: I have enought room that I can experiment a little on each tank before deciding what my final layout will be, and if you have the time, you might try that as well.

 

[djlen]

What's the water temp. in the tank?

Len

 

[SnakeIce]

ya your specific water parameters as it comes to you makes and breaks getting a particular plant to grow for you. it all comes down to the fact that different plants need varying ammounts of those 'trace' minerals and have specific ph and temperature likes and dislikes. so what will grow in one tank might not in another because of temperature differences even with the same water.